Generalist vs. Specialist Auto Repair Shops

Your car is made up of complicated systems. And, even without saying, it’s a fact that auto mechanics are not know-it-all in the automotive field. There are also some things they’re not aware of, some problems that they cannot solve as easily as they solve other problems. That said, you have to decide with whom to entrust your car when you need any auto part or system repaired.

Generally, there are two categories of mechanics and repair shops: the specialists and the generalists.

The specialists are those shops and mechanics that focus on and specialize in the repair of a particular part or system. For example, a mechanic may specialize in transmission repair and rebuilding. You can expect him to know all about both manual and automatic transmissions, down to the very last component or problem. You can also expect that mechanic to know all about the developments in the field of transmission systems.

On the other hand, the generalists are those shops and mechanics who can work on all systems and parts of vehicles in general, the so called jack of all trades in the auto repair industry, without necessarily specializing in any of the said parts and assemblies.

If you need a repair done in your vehicle, you can choose between a generalist and a specialist shop or mechanic. A specialist is a good pick for very serious problems that generalists may not be able to handle. However, should you have a problem whose effects are evident not only on a single system but on a wide range of systems, you might want to go for a generalist, one that can handle the problems plaguing different parts and systems. The selection could be crucial as this can spell the difference between the success and failure of the repair.

Inspecting Your Vehicle after a Repair

One of my posts last week was about doing a test drive before and after an auto repair—before to make a more thorough diagnosis as needed, and after to check whether the problem has totally disappeared. In connection with this last point, there are many other things that you can do to completely check your vehicle after a car repair and ensure that all the needed repairs have been done and that no rip-off had occurred.

Of course, the first thing that you need to check is the component that was repaired. If you brought your car to the shop because of power windows that won’t go up or down, for instance, the windows are the first things to check after the repair. As I have mentioned in my last post, there are instances when a test drive is advised—if the repair done has to do with the suspension, steering, or brakes. Simple repairs will require no complicated inspection afterwards. However, if you brought your car to a shop because of damage caused by a collision, inspection after repair is critical. Why? Well, some components may appear fine at the outset even if they’re actually not, and the problem will only be observed after a while.

In instances like the one mentioned above, you may need to have a trusted mechanic accompany you to the repair shop to do the complete inspection of the repair done and guarantee that everything was done right. The shop should give you a repair order, or a list and breakdown of all the repairs completed in your car, together with all the parts replaced and the corresponding charges for each repair or replacement (more on repair order in one of my next posts). Refer on this list for the parts and systems that you need to check.

Leaks: How Serious are they?

In one or two of my previous posts, we’ve talked about urgent and not-so-urgent repairs that every driver needs to know so that he can make a wise decision when he brings his car to an auto repair shop and is informed about a problem he doesn’t know is existing. Now, let’s take a look at one of these possible problems: a leak.

A leak is probably one of the most common problems that thousands of drivers encounter daily—leaking coolant, leaking oil, even leaking fuel. These actually seem very simple problems, but leaks can be the beginning of a major damage or even hazard.

An oil leak is relatively safe, as long as you notice it and you top the oil now and then to ensure that you replace the lost one. The only problem that you might encounter here is complete oil loss, which can lead to the damage of the engine because of loss of lubrication.

Another is coolant leak. Like oil loss, you won’t have any problem as long as you top it off and prevent it from getting totally depleted. When the latter happens, you’ll have a great likelihood of being stranded at the side of the road because of engine overheating. Engine damage may also result.

Fuel leak is a completely different story. No matter how small the leak, it has to be addressed, and fast. Why? All it takes is a drop of fuel for a fire to occur, and possibly lead to an explosion. So, wherever it’s leaking, it should be fixed fast.

There’s also a brake fluid leak, which must be addressed immediately to avoid compromising the efficiency of the brakes. Otherwise, accidents are also possible.

Very common, yes, but leaks are small problems that can just be the beginning of a bigger problem if they are ignored. So, they should be addressed at once.

DIY Saturday: How to Clean the Engine Bay

The engine bay of your car isn’t frequently seen—except of course by mechanics who do periodic inspection and repairs as necessary. Because of this fact, not many people ever consider cleaning the engine bay. But, the fact is that your engine compartment also needs some washing and degreasing now and then.

But wait, you say, won’t water damage parts under the hood? Well, there are some parts that are susceptible to water damage, such as electrical components. But, as long as you don’t directly spray and force water into these parts, they should be safe. Plus, of course, never allow water into the engine. For this reason, you can use aluminum foil to cover some susceptible parts. And of course, never clean a hot engine bay.

So, how should you go about the process? Well, after covering the parts you want covered (i.e. air filter), you can already spray a degreaser on the engine bay. Reminder: not too much pressure, please. Depending on the degreaser that you use, you may simply leave it on afterwards or you may need to wash it off (refer to the directions on the degreaser). If you need to rinse it off, wait for several minutes and then rinse off with water (again, don’t use strong pressure here). After rinsing, it’s time to dry the engine bay. You can turn the engine on, but only for about two minutes, to help in drying.

Afterwards, you can do the dressing of such parts as the rubber components. For all these components (as well as plastic parts) under the hood, you can use a tire cleaner to give them a good shine.

By regularly cleaning and dressing your engine bay, you do not only give it a good look but also keep the parts in the compartment protected from the damaging effects of elements like unwanted grease and dirt. So, you reduce instances of problems and repairs.

Friday’s Advice: Why It’s Not Always Good to Say Yes to an Oil Change

You’ve heard this many times: the oil is the lifeblood of your engine. You might have also heard the many problems that your engine might encounter when it is oil starved, so grave that they almost want to make you run to the nearest repair shop for an oil change. But, you will be glad to know that you can rest easy these days and say goodbye to all those needless worries about the oil in your car.

For a long time, there’s this long-standing rule about changing oil every 3000 miles (that’s about every three months). But, you’ll be happy to know that this has already become a myth these days. All it ever does? Well, it makes the business of oil change shops lucrative, no doubt. But for your car? It has already been proven that more frequent oil changes than recommended doesn’t actually give any additional benefit. Additional expense—more like.

Knowing this now, you can already say no to all those mechanics out there who would suggest an oil change when you bring your car to a shop for a specific problem. When you check your car owner’s manual, you will see the recommended interval for changing oil. This varies from car to car, but most of them have a 5000-mile mark. This mark is even for severe driving conditions. And what are these conditions? Well, these include driving in very hot weathers, frequent driving in stop and go traffic, and driving in rugged terrains.

If you drive in normal or mild conditions, however, you can extend that interval to 10,000 up to 15,000 miles. See? That would be too much of savings for your vehicle. If you want to be sure of your specific car’s oil change interval, you can check your manual thoroughly for the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Test Driving Before and After an Auto Repair

When you bring your car into a shop for repair, there are instances when test driving is crucial before and after the repair. Why?

If a problem that you’re experiencing in your drive only occurs in certain conditions when you drive, such as the occurrence of abnormal noise when cornering, and you cannot specifically describe the problem, it is better that you test drive your car with the mechanic present so that he himself can experience and observe the problem. This is crucial to easily diagnose the problem and to promptly provide the needed fix.

You need to pay proper attention to your car, sound and feel, when doing the test drive to get accuracy in the results of your observation,

After a repair, you might also need to test drive your vehicle to see whether the problem is already gone. This is especially important if you have the occurrence of a problem like mentioned above. Test driving is crucial to ensure that the symptom (like a noise) is already gone. Test driving is also especially important if you have a suspension job done. Only by test driving can you determine whether the job done is correct and whether there is no strange feel in your drive. You must also see to it that there is no problem with handling and steering—these are very crucial aspects of your drive and a problem with these systems could mean danger.

Most shops will allow you to do a test drive after the repair. You may have the mechanic accompany you so that you can discuss remaining problems should anything else occur. Other than test driving, there are still other after-repair inspection guidelines that you need to follow to ensure that all will be well with your newly repaired car. We’ll discuss these in one of the posts next week.

A Look at the Science of Upselling

Have you ever brought your car to a shop for a simple oil change, only to end up having all your filters and tires replaced? You might feel bad about the shop and about yourself after the incident, not able to explain how you were tricked into giving in to the mechanic’s suggestion when all you really wanted in the first place was a simple change of oil! Well, this happens all the time, and we’ve had some mention of this in the past.

That, friends, is what you call upselling. That is a selling technique that many establishments employ, not only auto repair shops. Even fast food chains employ that technique. Remember the time you gave in to the counter personnel’s suggestion to upgrade your fries and drinks? That’s upselling, and there’s nothing illegal about it.

As a car owner, however, you’d want to avoid incidents like this. Often, the extra services offered to you may not actually be necessary, so you’re just like wasting money. To avoid falling into this technique (or trickery, as you may want to call it), you must anticipate upselling when you bring your car to the shop. And, you must have the courage to say no when the mechanic starts his litany of extra service offers.

If you tend to give in easily, bring a list of services that you want performed on your car when you go to the shop, and show the list to your mechanic. Tell him that those services are the only (and you mean the ONLY) services that you want done. Once he insists anything, just refer on the list and remember—that’s all you need, and nothing more. Upselling will always be a part of any business enterprise, but you can deal with it effectively if you’re prepared.

Why Higher Grade Fuel Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Are you one of those car owners who are so careful with your car that you do everything to protect it from possible (sometimes imaginary) damage? Are you one of those car owners who are very strict on oil change interval that you’d rather change oil earlier than later? Are you one of those individuals who opt to go for premium fuel even if it’s not required in your vehicle just to protect your engine from possible damage caused by pre-ignition?

I have news for you: you might be going over the top, especially with the use of premium fuel. The fact is, premium fuel isn’t a must. In fact, even those cars that are said to require premium fuel can still use the regular kind. All you really have to watch out for when using regular fuel is the possible occurrence of pre-ignition or knocking. This incident can be best described as “self-explosion”, meaning the explosion of the mixture inside the engine even before it is ignited by the spark plugs. This can happen with the use of regular fuel—in some cases.

However, that’s easy now because most cars already have a knock sensor, which can adjust the engine when it detects knocking. Also, the first occurrence of pre-ignition does not automatically spell engine damage. And, when knocking occurs upon your use of a particular grade of fuel, you can easily climb to the next grade and see if the knocking disappears.

There’s also this misconception about premium fuel having the ability to clean the engine, but that’s not really true. Yes, they may have a little amount of cleaner, but it won’t actually make any difference.

So, if you have the tendency to choose premium fuel over the regular kind, even if it’s not even required for your vehicle, you must know that you’re only wasting money.

DIY Saturday: How to Care for Your Car Windshield

The windshield is one of the biggest panels that you will find in your vehicle. It’s also one of the most important, given the function that the said component performs. It’s the windshield which allows you to see the road ahead of you clearly when you drive, and it also protects you from the elements (incoming air, debris, etc.) while you’re behind the steering wheel.

Because of its location and its composition, however, the windshield is prone to damage. The normal form of wear and tear that it encounters is dimming. This happens because of the great amount of elements that the windshield encounters on your daily drives. In the highways, dirt and dust particles attach to the windshield surface. When you park under the shade of a tree, bird poop or tree sap can also fall into your windshield’s surface. And when these are neglected, they harden and become more difficult to remove. More serious than these, road debris like stones are sometimes thrown into the windshield, creating dings.

However, other than visiting an auto repair shop to have your windshield cleaned or to fix a ding, there are actually some things that you can do yourself to maintain the said part in good shape. When it comes to keeping the windshield clear and free from dirt, all it needs is regular cleaning. You will find cleaners in the market that are good for several uses. There are also glass treatment solutions that you can use to maintain the good condition of the part. If you have a ding on your windshield, there are repair kits that are designed to restore the windshield with ease. Many of these are formulated very simply and can be used without any complication involved.

With simple skills and with the use of the mentioned treatment solutions, it’s possible to keep your car windshield in good condition without having to go to auto repair shops.

Friday’s Advice: Avoid Auto Repair Shops, Avoid Possible Rip-Offs, and Save on Automotive Works with In-Store Services

Majority of the previous posts in this blogs has dealt with auto repair rip offs and ways to avoid them. You’ve read about different techniques that you can use to avoid rip off, and I’ve also posted about some practical tips and DIY processes that you can try to avoid auto repair shops, and possible rip-offs, altogether.

In this article, we’ll discuss one other means of saving on cost and avoiding possible rip-offs—by availing of in-store services. What are these services and where can you find them? Well, there are certain stores that offer free installation of parts as long as you buy the parts from them. This is a freebie offered by some stores for specific car components, while other stores offer this as part of a sale. Among the services that you can have for free are tire installation, the mounting of windshield wipers, and the installation of car battery. Some stores even do free testing of electrical parts.

If you are familiar with the systems in your car and you can do diagnosis on your own, then all you have to do is to get your needed replacement parts from auto parts stores and avail of their free installation service. There’s no more need to visit an auto repair shop to have a problem diagnosed and to have damaged parts replaced for a fee. Of course, you also avoid possible rip-offs by doing this.

All you have to do is to find a regular store that offers these services, one that you can run to every time you encounter problems in your drive and you need replacement components. You must also be on the lookout for sales and free part installation offers not only from stores but as well as from auto parts manufacturers or brands. They can do a whole lot to help you save.

Prioritizing to Save on Auto Repair Costs

You bring your car to the shop to have a particular problem checked. After diagnosis and some other mechanical works, the shop technician tells you there are a few other problems in your car that need to be addressed. Wait! They’re not within your budget! What do you do? And how can you be sure you’re not being ripped off?

First step: prioritize.

Prioritize according to the gravity of the problem.

Ask the mechanic which of these repairs are needed as a matter of life and death (just like the brakes). Then, ask which of these can wait for a little while longer without putting you or your car in danger. Go only for those that are so serious you can’t drive your car without paying attention to them. Then, schedule the less serious ones later on.

Prioritize according to the most major issue.

Ask the mechanic which of the problematic parts is on the verge of total and complete failure—the kind whose difference between functioning and non-functioning is just a strand of hair. Ask also which of the damaged parts are still in functional condition and can still work at their present state. Then, pay attention to the part with the most serious issue.

Prioritize repair over replacement, or replacement over repair, according to the situation.

I have already mentioned this in one of my previous posts. A repair is often less costly than a replacement in many instances (there are only a few exceptions), so try to ask whether a repair is a good option. There are instances, however, when a replacement is a more practical option, depending on the specific problem. Ask your mechanic which is better, and go for it. Who knows, there’s only one problem that actually needs a new part while all the other problems can be solved by a simple fix.

Paying Less and Avoiding Rip Offs with Lower Cost Alternatives

Despite all the DIY automotive works available for average drivers and vehicle owners to perform, there are still certain tasks that are too heavy for individuals without proper training and are best left in the care of professional mechanics. So, how can you save on these? How can you avoid possibilities of being ripped off?

Well, remember that mechanics want to earn. When you bring in your vehicle for repair, many of them would suggest the repair that will give them the most earnings, and a repair that will be easiest to perform on their part. But, you must know that there could be other options available.

One way to save is to ask your mechanic upfront if there are other options or alternatives available other than the one being suggested by the mechanic. For instance, if the mechanic is suggesting to replace a certain part that is already showing signs of damage, ask if there is any way the said part can be repaired, or if it would be cheaper if only the specific component of the part is replaced instead of the entire part (i.e. replace just the damaged light bulb instead of replacing the entire lighting assembly).

Any reasonable mechanic, and one who wants to establish a good relationship with you, will explore other means of solving the problem at a lesser cost. If you have the chance to do a research, you can find out on your own whether there is another way to solve a car problem other than the expensive and more common means.

By exploring all the other alternatives, asking the right questions, and doing the necessary research, you can save more and you’ll be able to leave the auto repair shop without feeling like you have just been ripped off big time. 

Auto Repair Rip Off: Why Your Budget Should Be Yours Alone

When it comes to spending on anything that needs negotiating with another person, one common advice that I’ve heard from some people I know is to be upfront with the other person about the budget or about the amount that you have for the said expense. This is to be able to work out an arrangement with the other person to help you have everything covered by your allotted budget. Supposedly, this advice is for your benefit.

When it comes to auto repairs, however, this is not advised and is not a good practice, especially if you haven’t done any research about the problem of your car prior to visiting the shop. Why?

Well, consider this: You go to the shop and tell your mechanic that your car is acting up. You describe the problem and the symptoms that you have observed. Then, you tell him that you have a $300 budget for a repair and that you hope it would be enough. Sounds like a wise idea? Oh no, no! That’s a big invitation for a rip off!

Should the mechanic do an inspection and diagnosis, only to find out that your car only has this simple problem that an alignment or a simple procedure can easily fix, and that the actual amount can only be more or less a hundred bucks… what do you think will happen? If you’re dealing with an unscrupulous mechanic, he can easily tell you that the problem will cost $300. You’d probably be thankful that your budget is enough, without you knowing that you’ve already been ripped off!

It’s better that you don’t say anything about money. Or, do your research about the possible problem first and the usual amount spent on that problem for repair or replacement. This way, you’ll have an idea about the average amount that’s just right.

DIY: Car Wash Tips 101

Your car being one of your biggest investments, it’s but important for you to want to maintain it and keep it not only functioning good but as well as looking good. One of the best means to do this is to give your car a wash regularly. Many people, especially those who are busy, just bring their vehicle to a car wash station and let the car wash folks do their job.

There’s no problem with this. But, if you look at the huge amount of money spent on car wash, you’ll see why it’s practical to do your car wash yourself. With just the right skills, and the right tips provided here, you can keep your car clean without spending a lot.

Tip #1: On the washing products used

Don’t go cheap on these by using household cleaners on your car (i.e. dishwashing or laundry detergent). They may have abrasive ingredients that could damage your car’s paint. Instead, go for cleaning products that are specifically formulated for specific areas in your vehicle. This way, you can be sure of an efficient cleaning job while ensuring protection to your car’s paint.

Tip #2: On the actual washing procedure

Before you actually wash your car with the soapy sponge, be sure that it’s been thoroughly rinsed with no dirt particles remaining on the surface. Once they get on the sponge, they may scratch the surface of your car body while you move the sponge for washing.

Tip #3: On drying your car

Use the right drying material such as chamois and don’t use just about any ordinary rag. Also, you can pat dry the surface instead of dragging the chamois across the surface.

So, ready to try doing your own carwash? The dollars you’ll save will surely be worth the time and effort.

DIY: How to Fix Broken Light Lenses

While the previous article discussed about a lighter or a less problematic light lens situation, that of cloudiness, we’ll talk about a more serious light lens problem in this write-up: breakage. Most drivers will immediately resort to bringing their car to the shop and go for a new lens to replace the broken one as soon as they notice the problem.

The good thing about this is that the lens being located outside, exposed to your vision, it’s easy to tell whether the shop did a good job right after it’s finished. But, despite this and the little possibility of rip off, there’s still a more effective way to save on the procedure. Want to do the repair on your own?

That’s easy! With either a red automotive tape or a repair compound to use, you can fix the problem yourself and save on your dollars. How?

Well, one way to do the repair is to get a red automotive tape. This is advised for a broken tail light lens, the breakage being just enough for the tape to cover (meaning, not too big). The said tape is translucent and will still allow the beams to shine through, so you won’t have any problem with illumination. One tip: apply the tape horizontally for best results.

Another means to repair a broken lens is with the use of a special repair kit. The kit comes with a plastic film, compounds to mix, and mixing tools. You will need to place or attach the film over the hole or broken part, only the attachment point should be the inside part of the lens (so lens removal is needed). Then, mix the compounds and apply on the broken part. Depending on the kit, a syringe may be provided for easy application. Just wait for the material to dry and your lens will be fine again.

DIY: How to Clean Clouded Light Lenses

All your vehicle lights are composed of a lens, the protective covering (in clear, amber, or red color) that serves as the cover of the bulb. This component is a reliable lighting part in that it offers protection while ensuring that the lighting beams emitted by the light bulb are directed out for sufficiently illuminating the road.

Most lenses before are made from glass, but the problem is that glass can easily break. Over the years, manufacturers have developed plastic lenses that are tougher and less susceptible to breakage. However, one challenge that plastic lenses pose is cloudiness. Over time, daily use and exposure to the environment can cause the lens to look dull, and there are two negative results: the lights look lousy and the amount of illumination emitted by the lights is reduced by the cloudiness in the lens.

But, aside from bringing your vehicle to the shop to have the lenses cleaned or replaced, you can actually do the cleaning yourself. All you will need is a cleaning brush and a cleaning solution. You may need a special lens cleaning solution, and you’ll find a wide array of choices in the market. For easier cleaning and to clean the inside part of the lens, you may want to remove the part from the lighting assembly.

All you need is a little portion of water to wet the lens and then to brush the lens with the cleaning or polishing solution. In some instances, you might want to sand the lens in order to remove the scratches and nicks that it might have accumulated over time—a smoother finish can do a lot in keeping the lens looking good. This easy process is all you need to restore your lighting lenses without too much expense on replacement or shop work.

DIY: How to Avoid Periodic Air Filter Replacement (Part 3 of 3)

Learning how to shop for an air filter and to replace an air filter is already a step towards getting more dollar savings and avoiding possible auto repair rip offs. If you want something more, then listen to this: you don’t need to buy a new air filter ever again!

What?! That’s possible? Yes, it is! Do you know that there are air filters designed for lifetime use? These filters will give you more, lifetime savings while protecting the environment from more waste materials.

In my last post, I mentioned about newer, higher-performance filter materials: foam and cotton cloth. Filters made from these materials are not only high in performance, able to allow more air to flow through and able to trap more dirt—many of them are also designed to be washable and reusable. Once they are dirty, all you have to do is to take them off your vehicle, wash them, let them dry, re-oil them, and mount them back in your ride, after which they will be ready for use again!

Every time your filter gets dirty, you can easily get an air filter cleaning kit to restore your car’s air filter back in shape. These kits come with air filter cleaners and air filter oil, perfect for restoring your vehicle’s air filter back to its good condition. The cleaning job is easy and you can do it on your own without any problem.

With a lifetime filter mounted in your vehicle, you won’t have to put up with air filter replacements anymore and you won’t have to hire a mechanic for the job. When you bring your car to a shop and the mechanic suggests replacing the filter, you can easily say “no, thanks” and enjoy the feeling of having more dollars saved in your pocket.

DIY: The Right Way to Shop for an Air Filter (Part 2 of 3)

As promised last Saturday, I’ll be devoting this entire week to DIY and how to procedures to help you with simple repairs that you can do on your own—say no to shop repairs and possible rip offs!

To start with, let’s continue last Saturday’s topic on air filter. If you’re mounting an air filter by yourself, that goes to say that you’ll be the one to shop for the replacement filter. You need to be wise with this. After all, your car’s air filter determines your engine’s health and performance.

So, how do you shop for an air filter, and what are the things that you need to consider? Well, the first point to remember is the fact that air filters have to do two things: they must allow air to flow through while trapping the damaging particles present in the air.

Material is the primary thing to consider when shopping for an air filter. Most stock filters are made from paper, and paper is a poor material. First, it doesn’t allow that much airflow. And two, it gets easily clogged by airborne particles. If you want the higher performance kind, there are two other material options: cotton cloth and foam. Both are better in performing the two functions mentioned.

Another consideration is design. You must go for the pleated type of air filter (it’s easy to find this since most filters today have this design). Pleats increase the surface area of the filter, so it can trap more particles.

If you want to get the most benefits from your air filter, you might want to pair it with a high-quality intake. This pertains to a mandrel-bent tube that allows more air to flow through it, giving you improved engine performance. With this combination, you’re sure to enjoy the most from your intake in performance and protection.

DIY Saturday: How to Change an Air Filter (Part 1 of 3)

Among the components of your vehicle that require periodic maintenance, inspection, and replacement are the filters. Because they constantly deal with fluid or air, and contaminants, they lose their trapping ability over time and they can restrict flow of air or liquid (fuel or oil). One of the important filters in your car is the air filter. It directly affects engine performance and should therefore be maintained well.

Because of its importance, no wonder it’s one of the components that many mechanics will ask you to replace when you bring in your car for a check. But, how do you really know whether the mechanic is telling you the truth or if he only wants some extra dollars? Well, air filter servicing is advised every 15000 miles. And, you’ll be glad to know that the process is easy and one that you can DIY. It’s a straightforward process that requires simple removal and installation. Shall we start?

Things you need:

* Screwdriver (standard and Philips)

* Rag for cleaning

* New air filter

PROCEDURES:

1. You’ll find the air filter in your engine compartment, so be sure that the engine is cool when you do this job.
2. Open the hood and prop it up, then find the casing that holds the air filter. Sometimes, there is a housing inside, which holds the filter within it.
3. You can use the screwdriver to pry open the casing and remove the clips. When you see the housing inside, remove the screws to open it.
4. You will see the filter inside the housing—simply remove it and clean the housing with the rag.
5. Lastly, put in the new filter and replace the screws and clips.

With these simple procedures, you can already do the air filter replacement on your own without relying on your mechanic.

Next Week: One whole week of how to’s  and DIY tips for all your replacement and repair needs.

Friday’s Advice: What Happens if Car Problem Symptoms Return After a Repair?

In many of the previous articles that I posted in this blog, I have mentioned several types of car repair rip offs being practiced by some of the auto repair shops and auto repair mechanics out there. These rip offs take on many forms, but they have one thing in common—they make you spend more than you should, and you don’t get additional benefits at all.

One common form of rip off that you will encounter in your auto repair experiences comes in the form of a repair that does not actually solve the problem. This happens when auto repair mechanics do a trial and error in determining the problem of your car, and take a chance at solving the problem by replacing or fixing this or that component—without actually being 100% sure that the replacement or fix will work and solve the problem.

No mechanic is perfect, yes, and some of them are as clueless as you are when it comes to the problem of your vehicle. To avoid encountering a problem like this, it’s advised that you open the issue upfront with the mechanic even before the repair is performed. Ask what they would do in case such a situation arises. The most reasonable solution to this problem would be for the shop or mechanic to fix that problem again without charging you for the procedure, but not all shops will give that guarantee. In many instances, you will have to avail, and pay for, a second repair.

So, asking your mechanic upfront will bring you on equal grounds. Watch how your mechanic responds to the question, and remember that you should get a concrete answer. Don’t put up with as vague an answer as “depending on the situation” or “it’s a case to case basis.” You need the right to know exactly what to expect to ensure that you will avoid double spending.

A Look at Highway Rip Offs

Some people call them highway thieves, others call them highway bandits—and for good reason. These names pertain to road or highway mechanics, and they’re called such because there are some of them who take advantage of travelers that get stranded on the road because of a car problem or car defect.

Knowing that these car drivers have nowhere to turn to, some highway mechanics take advantage of the situation to rip customers off and to earn hundreds of dollars. What is otherwise a very simple and small repair is blown up to great proportions. Sometimes, there have even been reports of these mechanics doing the damage themselves. And, the poor driver has no choice but to pay the amount given by the mechanic if he doesn’t want to get stranded.

As a sort of precaution, there are things you can do to avoid being ripped off on the road. If you’re going on travel, you need to be sure beforehand that your vehicle is in good driving condition. Have your trusted local mechanic inspect it thoroughly to be able to address any problem that might crop up later on. Avoiding any car trouble is the first step to avoiding a rip off.

If you’re already on the road and your car breaks down, you can try to reach your local mechanic back home. He may know someone in the area with whom you can entrust your car. He may be affiliated with one of the shops nearby, and he can refer your vehicle. This is another means to avoid a rip off as a shop referred by your trusted mechanic is not likely to rip you off compare to one that you are not familiar with in any way.

With these pointers in mind, you can be at peace on your travels knowing that you’re not in for a huge headache.

Lost Valuables Inside Your Car During Repairs: What Can You Do?

Good shops and mechanics are everywhere, but there are also bad shops and mechanics existing today that you should be careful of. And while you may have heard about the dishonest practices of these mechanics when it comes to doing vehicle repairs, there are actually some dishonest practices that are not only confined within the repair arena. There are practices that reach the level of outright theft.

One of these is the stealing of the valuables inside your car. Imagine this: you bring your vehicle to a shop for a repair and you leave it there for a couple of days. Inside your car—at the rear seat, inside your glove box compartment, or inside your vehicle trunk—are some valuable stuff and belongings. You return to the shop after a couple of days, pay for the repair, and drive your car home… Only to find out later on that some of the belongings left in your car were lost.

What can you do? Well, you can always go back to the auto repair shop to check whether the mechanics simply kept your stuff while the repair was being done and forgot to return them afterwards. However, in case no one could say exactly where your belongings are, the fact is that there’s a little chance that you’ll have them back. Why? Most auto repair shops won’t take responsibility for them. In fact, most shops place a reminder somewhere in the area saying that they are not responsible for any lost valuable.

The best time to do something here is before the repair. Before you bring your car to the shop for a repair, be sure that you remove all valuables inside and leave them at home. This is one responsible thing to do in order to avoid problems and hassles afterwards.

Is Your Mechanic an Alien?

There are some of them out there, mechanics who live in their own world. They don’t know how to differentiate. When you visit the shop and bring in your car for a repair, they assume you’re one of them – that you’re also an alien. They explain the problem to you, with hand demonstrations and all that. And then they look at you with that confused alien look when you begin to scratch your head.

Do you know what I’m talking about? I’m talking about mechanics who have their own dictionary that they use even when talking to average mortals like their customers. They fill their explanations with jargons and technical terms that will make you stare at them blankly in confusion. These mechanics don’t have it in their head that they’re talking to someone who’s not inside the automotive arena. There are also some mechanics who use this “technique” to be able to intimidate their customer, making it easier to rip them off.

If you encounter a mechanic like this, don’t give in to the intimidation or the confusion—ask questions and clarifications about things you do not understand. Insist that your mechanic explains any problem or procedure on your level, not on his level. Ask that the explanations be done in layman’s terms. Any reasonable mechanic should understand this.

Of course, as I have mentioned repeatedly in the past, it would help if you do some readings and familiarize yourself with some terms and some conditions about your car so that you don’t go totally clueless while your mechanic is explaining. But while this is a responsibility that you should handle, remember that your mechanic also has the responsibility to make it absolutely clear to you what the problem of your car is and how it can be resolved.